The cover of the
20-page 1954 catalog showed a Carvin steel guitar, and Lowell Kiesel's wife, Agnes,
playing a Fender Telecaster, as well as a #8805 steel guitar & a Model
#119 amp.

Click each picture for
a larger version.

In
1954, you could buy an electric
bass from Carvin, but it would say "Fender" on the
headstock. Early in Carvin's history, they were authorized
resellers for a number of other manufacturers, including Fender,
Martin and DeArmond. In this case, Carvin offered a
now-cherished Precision Bass, in natural finish with maple neck and
black pickguard. This bass sold for $199.50, and a Fender
hardshell case was an additional $39.95.